The Lucky Encounter
Upon entering seclusion, Min-Jae immersed himself in the study of the martial arts manuals he had acquired. His exceptional memory allowed him to memorize the techniques swiftly, yet one tome stood apart—the unnamed, weathered book he had chosen impulsively. Setting it aside for the moment, he dedicated himself to mastering the four renowned blade techniques:
Phantom Moon Blade – A technique from the Mount Hua Sect, known for its swift, unpredictable slashes that resemble illusions.
Abyssal River Slash – A technique from the Wudang Sect, overwhelming foes with an endless tide of blade energy.
Blood Eclipse Style – A demonic sword art focusing on merciless, precise attacks meant to kill in a single strike.
Seven Hells Execution – A technique from the Tang Clan, utilizing overwhelming force to crush enemies with brutal efficiency.
Over two relentless years, Min-Jae's dedication bore fruit as he achieved mastery over these formidable arts. His movements became a dance of death, each strike a testament to his unwavering resolve.
With these techniques honed, Min-Jae turned his attention to the enigmatic, untitled manual. As he delved into its contents, he uncovered a revelation that sent shivers down his spine: this was the legacy of the most illustrious assassin in Murim's history. Contrary to popular belief that the assassin had taken his secrets to the grave, he had clandestinely bequeathed his ultimate technique within these pages.
The manual detailed the "Shadow Serpent Blade", a technique whispered to rival even the legendary Heavenly Demon Sword Art. Mastery of this art promised unparalleled lethality and the potential to elevate one's stealth abilities to unprecedented heights—levels deemed unattainable by conventional wisdom. Min-Jae recognized the serendipity of this discovery; fate had bestowed upon him a tool that could redefine his very existence.
For the next year, Min-Jae devoted himself to deciphering and internalizing the Shadow Serpent Blade. The training was grueling, demanding not only physical prowess but also an acute understanding of the subtleties of assassination. Yet, with each passing day, he felt himself drawing closer to the essence of the technique, his skills sharpening to a razor's edge.
By the end of his secluded training, Min-Jae had ascended to a level where he could rival the leaders of esteemed sects. However, his thirst for power remained unquenched; he knew that the path to vengeance required strength beyond measure.
The day arrived when the trainees were summoned from their isolation. Anticipation hung heavy in the air as they were informed of their next trial: an introduction to their new masters within the Murim Alliance, an influential coalition comprising the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families. These renowned sects and families included:
Mount Hua Sect – Celebrated for their exceptional swordsmanship and honorable principles.
Wudang Sect – Esteemed for their profound Taoist martial arts and internal energy cultivation.
Shaolin Sect – Renowned for their mastery of martial arts and Zen Buddhism.
Emei Sect – Known for their agile sword techniques and association with Buddhist teachings.
Kunlun Sect – Recognized for their diverse martial arts styles and Taoist heritage.
Qingcheng Sect – Famous for their swift and deceptive swordplay.
Kongtong Sect – Distinguished by their unique techniques and internal energy skills.
Zhongnan Sect – Respected for their balanced martial arts and strategic prowess.
Diancang Sect – Noted for their refined sword techniques and scholarly approach.
The Five Great Families were:
Tang Clan – Masters of poison techniques and hidden weapons, their methods are both feared and respected.
Namgoong Family – Esteemed for their unparalleled swordsmanship and noble lineage.
Murong Family – Known for their deceptive martial arts and strategic brilliance.
Moyong Family – Once pivotal, their influence has waned over time.
Peng Family – Renowned for their mighty blade techniques and formidable presence in battle.
As Min-Jae and his fellow trainees stood on the precipice of this new chapter, the weight of destiny pressed upon them. The doors to the Murim Alliance loomed ahead, a gateway to both opportunity and peril. With a deep breath, Min-Jae prepared to step forward, his heart steeled for the trials that awaited within.